National equestrian championship to be held at H Cooper Black

Thecherawchronicle.com - full article

by Matt Smith

The H. Cooper Black Jr., Memorial Field Trial and Recreation Area will have a chance to showcase some of the best equestrian riders on Oct. 10-17 as the local park hosts the 2010 American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) National Championships.

The event will pit almost 200 riders from across the country in a 55-mile and 100-mile race to name a national champion.

This is the first time that the AERC has held their national championships in South Carolina.

The national championship festivities will officially kick off on Oct. 12 when race participants register at H. Cooper Black recreation facility. A potluck dinner will be held for racers and their teams before a pre-race veterinary inspection of the horses is held on Oct. 13.

Cheraw Tourism Director Phil Powell said that the event could have a positive impact on the town’s economy.

“It’s a national event that will have riders and support people from over 30 states,” said Powell. “This is an opportunity to introduce the Cheraw community to the riders and their teams. By having them utilize shops, this event will have a positive economic impact on the area. We hope to continue to have events here at H. Cooper Black and have them prosper here because there are economic ties to the city from these events..."

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